One of the areas biggest and worldly renowned attractions is FREE! Highway 1 is consistently named one of the world’s most scenic drives in the world! I spent the better part of 2 years filming along coastal Highway 1 and loved every minute of it!

Free Chocolate Sample at See’s Candies

You’ll receive a free “sample of the day” upon entry into the See’s Candies located at the Del Monte Shopping Center.

Chances are you’ll end up spending money, they’re that good! We have them shipped all over the country as Christmas Gifts each year.

Free Clam Chowder On Old Fishermans Wharf

Many of the restaurants on the Wharf hand out free samples of their clam chowder to entice you to dine in. I’d say it actually works 😉

Our favorite clam chowder in the world is available on the Wharf at The Old Fisherman’s Grotto

Walk from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to Cannery Row

A great leisurely walk along the Monterey Recreational Trail will do you wonders, especially after a large meal at the Wharf. You’ll see Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, the gorgeous coastline, and more all the while taking in fresh ocean air.

We usually take this walk after eating too much at our favorite restaurant Old Fishermans Grotto. By the time we get to Cannery Row (less than a mile from Fisherman’s Wharf), it’s time for dessert at Ghirardelli!

Point Pinos Lighthouse Tour

The Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast.

It’s a nice historical tour through the lighthouse which is pretty neat! Tours are Thursday thru Sundays, 1-4pm.

Year Round Festivals In Monterey CA

Monterey is known for its diverse and numerous Festivals that occur year round. Most of them are free and more than worth checking out.

Spectacular Monterey Sunsets

One of the best free things to do in Monterey California is to enjoy a beautiful sunset with those that you love. It costs nothing but refreshes the mind and spirit like nothing else.

Sea Lions at the Coast Guard Pier

A good number of Sea Lions love to bask in the sun at the end of the Coast Guard Pier along with Black Cormants. You’ll get great views of San Carlos Beach, Cannery Row, and scuba divers from the pier as well.

Just walk down as far as the pier will take you for great views of Sea Lions.

George’s Birds on Fishermans Wharf

George’s Birds are a lot of fun. The kids and adults will get to pet and hold one of the many of his exotic parakeets.

Monarch Butterfly Grove Sanctuary in PG

1000’s of Monarch Butterflies migrate to Pacific Grove for the winter every year.

It is just magical to see so many Monarch Butterflies all in one place at once.

The Old Fisherman’s Grotto Is truly the best ever! My husband and I have been going there for over 40 years. Once we moved from the area, we still make the trip from Lake San Antonio as often as we can just to have some calamari and clam chowder. Well worth the trip>

I LOVE your page and thank you for it!! I am traveling all the way from Memphis, TN for business and am flying my family out for only 2 days so they can experience this too! It’s a short, unexpected trip and must be budgeted accordingly – so, this is most helpful!! I will definitely let you know how it goes and thank you! thank you for clearing the way to what we really want to see!!

Hello, I very much enjoyed your list of fun free things to do in Monterey. I wanted to let you know about the free walking tour of Cannery Row from Monterey’s Free Walking Tours. The tours meet across the street from the Monterey Bay Aquarium at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.
The company’s website is: http://montereysfreewalki.wix.com/freetours